Unit 3 Ch 2 : Federalism — Social Studies STD 10 — Question

Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:
The need for decentralisation was recognised in our Constitution. Since then, there have been several attempts to decentralise power to the level of villages and towns. Panchayat in villages and municipalities in urban areas were set up in all the States. But these were directly under the control of state governments. Elections to these local governments were not held regularly. Local governments did not have any powers or resources of their own. Thus, there was very little decentralisation in effective terms.
A major step towards decentralisation was taken in 1992. The Constitution was amended to make the third-tier of democracy more powerful and effective. Now it is constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies. Seats are reserved in the elected bodies and the executive heads of these institutions for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. At least one-third of all positions are reserved for women. An independent institution called the State Election Commission has been created in each State to conduct panchayat and municipal elections. The State governments are required to share some powers and revenue with local government bodies. The nature of sharing varies from State to State.

1. What is the basic idea behind decentralization?

1. There are a large number of problems and issues which are best settled at the local level.
2. Besides, at the local level it is possible for the people to directly participate in decision making. This helps to inculcate a habit of democratic participation.
3. Local government is the best way to realise one important principle of democracy, namely local self-government.
4. All the above.

2. Consider the following statements on the practice of federalism in India. Identify those which hold true for decentralisation after 1992.

1. B and C
2. A and C
3. A and D
4. B and D

3. In local self-government institutions at least one-third of all positions are reserved for?

1. Men.
2. Women.
3. Scheduled caste.
4. Scheduled tribe.

4. Which of these is incorrect, based on the Consitutional Amendment, 1992?

1. One-fourth of positions are reserved for women.
2. Regular elections should be held to the local government bodies.
3. Seats are reserved for SCs, STs and OBCs.
4. State Election Commission looks after these elections.